Everything we create within architectural visualisation, is designed for a reason.
From the most intricate of interior layouts, to the complexity of any front elevation, when it comes to architectural visualisation the whole aim is to create something that is interesting, easy on the eye, but follows a formula.
What is it that captures the viewer’s attention, forcing them to look?
In simple terms, it is using the golden ratio, something that is deep in the core of the mind.
Don’t worry; we’re not going to take you on a path of mathematical equations (we’ll leave that to Wikipedia).
This is the only maths part we’re going to use to explain. It is a design principal based on the ratio of 1 to 1.618. This is claimed as the ‘perfect number.’ It can assist in creating images that have a strong composition, so whatever we create it draws the viewer in.
It is a principal that artists and architects have used for thousands of years. The end result is this appeal of balanced harmony between what you look and what you interpret. We all prefer to look at an image that has balance, a rule of thumb that we follow today.
For anybody within the creation side of 3D visualisation, there has to be the objective to ensure interest from the beginning. From a house, to a boat, to a museum the Golden Ratio allows the viewer to be guided around an image, subconsciously.
For this effect, we thank 12th century mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci.
A Fibonacci Spiral is effectively created, where areas of negative space (such as a driveway) and visual interested space (the front of a house), fit together within the spiral. Your eye is naturally drawn to the centre to look for more detail.
The path is created via a series of squares whereby diagonal points on each square creates a flow for which the spiral can ease through the frame. This allows the viewer to be led around the image.
The principal goes like this. The Fibonacci Spiral works by applying a small rectangle from a corner of your frame. This is then bisected from each corner, so an imaginary line diagonally crosses the entire frame. The line will cross a number of focal points associated with the spiral in the rectangle. From here you can picture a spiral leading out from the centre focal point in an arc that leads you out of the frame.
Just as an aside, 3D architecture is not wholly led by a mathematical principal that has been in place since the 12th century. It is there as a guide to encourage our own creativity and interpretation, but with the whole objective to look at how we draw someone in and guide how you look.
The brain is hard wired in the first place to decide what is worthy of your attention and what isn’t. This is where the opportunity is to the 3D visualiser to produce something that is meaningful to the person who is consuming. As an architectural visualisation company, our aim is to make sure the viewer will take time to consume and pay attention.
Similarly to telling a story, whether it’s an animation sequence or a still image, we have to take the viewer on a journey that they will enjoy.
Strong messages are often subliminal; the golden ratio is probably the oldest forms of subliminal advertising.
Every image that we create follows a pattern to draw someone in. It is a tool that we use at our creative disposal to create a positive perception that follows a path that has been in place for centuries. At Architecture In Motion, we have ways of making you look.
